When we first came to establish our residence in Speyer, may its foundations never collapse, it was because of the fire that had broken out in Mainz.

Mainz was the city of our birth and the dwelling place of our ancestors. It was the ancient and honored community, praised above all the communities of the empire. The entire Jewish quarter and its street were burned, and we became greatly afraid of the townspeople.

At that time, Meir ha-Kohen came from Worms carrying a copy of Torat Kohanim. The townspeople thought that he was carrying silver or gold, and they killed him.

Rabbi Meshullam said to us, “Don’t be afraid, for all this was decreed.”

We then decided to leave Mainz and settle wherever we could find a fortified city. Perhaps the compassionate Lord would have compassion upon us, the Merciful One would show us mercy and the One who helps all would help sustain us, as He continues to do to this very day.

The bishop of Speyer welcomed us favorably. He sent his officials and soldiers after us, gave us a place within the city and promised to build a strong wall around us. The wall would protect us from our enemies and provide us with security.

He had compassion upon us as a man has compassion upon his son. For many years afterward, we offered prayers for him before our Creator every morning and evening.